Kobe Bryant Discussion: Mamba Out!

Was looking through this thread and remembered this article and my comment on it, how annoyed I was at him saying Kobe's presence on the court hurts us. But my god he turned out correct. This is a sad day, Kobe is not going out like I hoped, and with his minutes and usage I expect another injury at some point. I can't believe these scouts saying Kobe has to go, we've created a monster, etc were speaking truth. IF Kobe could play most games like he did against Detroit, or even Toronto, I would be happy to see him play all season. But whether he cannot, or will not, he isn't, and it's a damn shame.

As has been said, his body can't take it anymore, and he can't seem to hang for an entire game anymore. For him to succeed his role would have to be drastically reduced, his threes cut way down, becoming a facilitator and teacher out there above all else, focusing on good defensive possessions while sacrificing on offense, and I don't see any of it happening other than the teaching which we're already seeing. I'll never boo this man, and I will NEVER wish injury on him, I only wish he'd decide to go out on a higher note and take his own advice about this needing to be all about the development of the kids.

 

I noticed this a few times last game. It was harden type d.

 

He is obviously done for good.

Still admiring that he does go out there even though he knows he is going to get embarassed more likely than not. I'm actually a bit surprised.

 

I've been gone for a while and haven't been able to watch any games. Reading the threads, I guess Kobe is as bad as his stats say he is.

Edit: On a positive note, he has the 2nd best net +/- on this team though. Lol.

 

Kobe looks decent physically. He has had a couple of Kobe moments. He had two solid games when he chucked less, and moved the ball more. But for the most part he is settling for threes and he just can't hit them. It's like he won't admit his limitations to himself. Stubborn is as stubborn does.

 

Mamba mentality.

But really, I think it has to do with him clearly not caring about his stats. That, or he is just so stubborn and competitive he fights himself telling him that he really isn't this bad when he really is. Lose lose situation

 

I think he does care, but he doesn't let it faze him. If you're going to argue about 45% vs 50%, he probably doesn't care, especially since it also depends on the type of shots. But, 33%? He probably cares about that.

 

Actually I think it's because he has nothing else, so why does it matter?

I think he's too beat up/too old to take a regular beating inside the three point line. Outside the three point line they let him have free looks all night so it's much easier than trying to post up or trying to work his way mid-range. I'm not sure he has the ability anymore to drive past anyone in the NBA so he's not getting the rim easily. He can't create for himself the way he used to. It's just easier on his old body to chuck from outside than it is to take any punishment.